UMVA has learned that a major fugitive, Said Abdullahi Ereg, has finally returned to face justice after nearly two years on the run, accused of masterminding a staggering $4.2 million fraud scheme through the Federal Child Nutrition Program during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ereg, who owned and operated Evergreen Grocery and Deli in south Minneapolis, was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, allegedly exploiting a program meant to feed children in need and lining his own pockets with taxpayer funds.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Ereg's business operated under the sponsorship of the nonprofit Feeding Our Future, and from April 2020 to April 2021, he allegedly submitted false reimbursement claims, receiving millions in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds, with claims of serving over 3,000 meals daily, seven days a week.
Ereg's wife, Najmo Ahmed, also worked at the business and received payroll payments directly from Feeding Our Future, and she has already pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, with sentencing scheduled for June 15, 2026.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Ereg was one of the first fugitives added to the FBI's brand-new Most Wanted Fraudsters List, launched on June 4, 2026, as part of a task force aimed at eliminating fraud, and his arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies working to bring alleged fraudsters to justice.
FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson praised the collective effort of law enforcement agencies, stating that Ereg's apprehension highlights their commitment to bringing alleged fraudsters to justice, and that being outside the United States does not place them beyond the reach of law enforcement.
The surrender of Ereg raises questions about accountability for other officials and individuals who may have played a role in enabling this massive theft, with some critics calling for greater scrutiny of those in positions of power.
